Admissions and how to apply

How to Apply

Prerequisites

Admission requires an undergraduate degree (B.S. or B.A.) in a biological science, which should include adequate course work in many of the following areas: calculus, general physics, general chemistry, quantitative analysis, organic chemistry, biochemistry with a laboratory, general genetics, general biology with a laboratory, and general bacteriology or microbiology with a laboratory. Upper division courses in cell biology, microbiology, microbial physiology and genetics, and immunology are also encouraged. Applicants for admission to MGG are required to meet the University of California minimum 3.0 GPA requirement for admission.

Students must also demonstrate an aptitude and enthusiasm for research, which should include active participation in an independent research project supervised by a faculty member.

Applications

We are committed to creating a diverse student body and welcome applications from underrepresented groups.

Applications are accepted for fall quarter admission only, and should be made as early as possible. Applications must be completed by December 15.

The fee to apply for admission is $90 (U.S.) or $110 (international). The fee may be paid by credit card or e-check. The fee must be paid before the application will be considered as complete, and the fee must be paid for each application submitted. Because of the increased costs associated with supporting international students, the Microbiology Graduate Group will likely not admit any international students unless they have their own funding. Therefore, international applicants are encouraged to secure an independent scholarship before submitting an application. Please consider this fact carefully before you commit to the application process.

Letters of Recommendation must be submitted electronically through the online application. Do not have recommenders send letters in hard copy as they will not be reviewed.

UC Davis requires academic records from each college-level institution you have attended. You will be instructed to upload scanned copies of your transcripts after you have submitted your online application. For more details visit https://gradstudies.ucdavis.edu/submit-transcripts

Please use these codes for reporting electronic scores from the Graduate Record Examination General Test. UC Davis Institution Code: 4834 and Department code: 0212.

TOEFL or IELTS - English language testing is required, not just for international students, but for all applicants whose native language or primary language of instruction is not English. UC Davis accepts both the TOEFL and IELTS examinations. Institution code: 4834 and Department code: 07.

The following application materials are required and should be submitted by December 15:

The graduate group cannot review an application until all of the above components are received. Inquiries concerning application procedures or any other aspects of the program and requests for forms for admission to graduate study should be directed to Jessica Toan.